Lennon offers you a chance to invest in 'a site of national importance'

A while ago, Paul wrote in his Paul says... column of how the constant reappraisal of history can throw up new opportunities for collectors and alternative investors, and boost the value of memorabilia attached to moments or people from history.

A great example of a 'reappraisal' popped up in the news this week with reports that the British government has designated the zebra crossing on Abbey Road, London as "a site of national importance." In other words, the site is now protected and cannot be removed or altered without a government review.

The zebra crossing is the very one shown the iconic front cover of The Beatles' Abbey Road LP, famously stridden across by John, Paul, George and Ringo. That's the main reason for its new 'protected' status, and also the fact that the crossing has become a destination and shrine for Beatles fans ever since.

John Lennon's suit (far right) is auctioning in the US on January 1

So where is the investment opportunity for you as a collector? Well, how would you like to invest in this "piece of national importance." You'll have an opportunity to do just that in an auction taking place on New Year's Day...

Yet the asset for sale isn't a piece of the road itself, or even a brick from neighbouring Abbey Road studios where The Beatles recorded their most famous tracks. Rather, it is the two piece white suit worn by John Lennon on the Abbey Road cover.

The suit is being sold by Braswell Galleries in Norwalk, Connecticut, US. This year, which marks the 70th anniversary of Lennon's birth and the 30th anniversary of his death, has already seen a number of successful Lennon memorabilia auctions.

Anniversaries tend to memorabilia values, and the new announcement that the suit has contributed to the recognition a British landmark could further boost its value and performance at the January 1 auction.